Using Copyrighted music in films.

When making a low-budget short or feature, how does one go about getting permission to use copyrighted music? Does it cost money? Any information would be appreciated! Also, to put on a classic play with a paying audience, does one need to get permission from the playwright or equivalent (in case playwright is deceased). How does one go about doing this? Thanks!

The only answer to both questions is yes. If you use copyright music in a film you must pay royalties and get permission. There is an organisation that covers this. As a theatre person I don't off hand know who they are but I'm sure someone on this site will. Classic plays: If the playwrite died more than 75 years ago then the plays falls into what is called public domain and can be done without problem on the whole however you must check. Peter Pan is an exception to that rule and I am sure there are others. Otherwise unless the writer has specifically placed his work in public domain then someone somewhere holds the performing rights. If you have bought a copy of the script that's a good place to start. The publisher will usually know who licenses performances. If the work is manuscript and has no contact details then try to Google it. Both will cost money. Royalties. They are paid to the author for the work he or she has done. Not to pay is theft. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

I Googled it. The Australian Organisation to approach about performing rights for music in film is APRA. Australasian Performing Rights Association. If they are not the right people they will help. They have a web site. If you are trying to find who holds the performing rights for plays you could start with www.doollee.com. It is a data base of English Language plays since 1956 but does have some older ones as well. If by classic plays you are referring to say Shakespeare then it is public domain if you are intending to do translations of say Moliere then the original text is public domain but the translation may well be copyright. Yes it is extremely complicated. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

With short films, best to get public domain music or get someone you know to compose something specifically for your film. Don't bother trying to aquire the rights to music - it will cost far too much money.